Saucer with a floral scroll and a border of dots in circles c. 1790 - 1800

This is a ‘Saucer with floral scroll and a border of dots in circles,’ made of faience by Niderviller. The work is made of tin-glazed earthenware. The method involved firing the clay at a high temperature, followed by a second firing after glazing and painting. What’s special here is the contrast between the industrial process and the hand-painted decoration. Note the floral scroll and border of dots which adds a personal touch to the factory-made saucer. When looking at this piece, it’s important to consider not only its aesthetic qualities but also the social context in which it was produced. The faience speaks volumes about the labor, the politics, and the ever-growing cycle of consumption that defines our world even today. It serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly innocuous objects can carry profound cultural and historical significance.